Family’s heartfelt grief at loss of ‘beautiful and gifted’ Rachael

The world champion pipe band drum major from Markethill, Co Armagh was travelling in a Ford Fiesta on the Coolmillish Road near Markethill on Thursday when the incident occurred.

A junior world championship winner in 2017, Rachael had connections to both the Armaghbreague and Quinn Memorial pipe bands and was well-known across the international pipe band scene.

Bands from around the world have expressed their shock and sadness at the tragedy – including the Cape Town Caledonian Pipe Band in South Africa.

Closer to home, the Bessbrook Crimson Arrow pipe band said Rachael “had a great talent and was well known throughout the pipe band and drum major world”.

In a statement released last night, the Lowry family expressed their heartfelt grief at the tragic and sudden loss of Rachael they described as “especially special”.

They said: “Rachael had grown into a beautiful young 17-year-old girl with great gifts in music and creativity.

“The family were so proud of Rachael when in 2017 she won the Junior World Drum Major Championship, and again in 2019 when she was runner-up in the Juvenile World Drum Major competition.

“With excellent GCSE results this year and beginning a Health and Social Care course at the SRC in Armagh, Rachael had a bright future ahead of her however the family’s joy in Rachael’s achievements were turned into tears of overwhelming grief yesterday afternoon.”

The statement added: “The family would like to express their sincerest thanks to PSNI, Air Ambulance and neighbours at the scene who all cared for Rachael.

“The family would request privacy as they mourn Rachael’s passing and try to come to terms with such a great loss to their family that will affect every part of their lives.”

On behalf of the board of governors, staff and pupils at Markethill High School, principal Mr Colin Berry paid tribute to “extremely talented” former pupil Rachael.

“She left our school in June 2020 with an excellent set of GCSE results, ready to embrace the next step of her educational pathway,” Mr Berry said.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Rachael had a great future ahead of her and she will be remembered with great fondness by the entire school community.”

In a Facebook message, the Irish Pipe Band Photography group said: “Condolences to the family and friends of Drum Major Rachael Lowry, a lovely talented young girl, always smiling and happy at competitions. May you rest in peace Rachael.”

Also on Facebook, the Big Rab piping radio show on Fuse FM said: “Today we lost one of our own. She will be so fondly missed by all of us across the pipe band world.”

A PSNI spokeswoman said: “Police continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam footage to please get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 833 24/09/20.”

Tributes from around the globe for world champion drum major Rachael

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